Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program

Choose Ohio First: Success in Mathematics is a state-funded scholarship and academic program for undergraduate students in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) majors. It is designed to recruit and retain more Ohio students into STEMM fields. The name Success in Mathematics comes from the fact that a sound mathematical background is important for each of the STEMM fields. Eligible majors include all engineering disciplines, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, health sciences, and nursing. Those who plan on a career as a high school math or science teacher will have eligible majors since they will major in mathematics or one of the science disciplines. Note that a math major is not a requirement for this program.

Scholarships awards range from $1,500 to $5,200 per student, per academic year, toward the cost of instruction (tuition, books, room and board). The actual amount awarded is based on financial need. Scholarships are renewable to cover all 4 years of an undergraduate degree, contingent on continued eligibility and state funding.

In addition to financial awards, students in the program participate in weekly cohort meetings on a variety of topics including STEMM speakers from industry and academic skill workshops. There are also social activities to strengthen the cohort connection and occasional field trips.

Students work in groups each year to complete a research poster and develop technical communication skills by presenting it at the annual poster conference sponsored jointly by the Choose Ohio First Success in Math programs at Cleveland State University, Case Western Reserve University, Cuyahoga Community College, Kent State University, University of Akron, and Youngstown State University. Posters from the 2012 Poster Conference can be found here.

Students also receive intensive academic advising through the University Scholars Program.

Who is eligible?

You must

• Be an entering freshmen student
• Be an Ohio resident
• Have an Undergraduate degree plan for a STEMM (Science, Technology, Mathematics, or Medicine) major
• Have a high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• Have a committment to COF Success in Math program requirements
• Have a current FAFSA on file with Financial Aid

What are the program requirements?

• Attend at least 5 cohort meetings per semester (Tuesdays 12-12:50PM)
• Complete a group research poster each spring and present it at our annual Research Poster Conference
• Meet with assigned advisor at least once a semester
• Maintain a cummulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Make progress toward a STEMM degree

Please direct any questions about admissions to:
Jami R. Derry
Academic Program Specialist
Phone: 216.687.5559
Email: j.derry@csuohio.edu
Campus Location: Main Classroom Building, Room 412

Please direct any questions about the program to:
Dr. Leah Gold
Associate Professor
Phone: 216.687.4565
Email: L.Gold33@csuohio.edu
Campus Location: Rhodes Tower 1506